Which place is cheaper, Rabat or Jaisalmer?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Jaisalmer or Rabat?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Jaisalmer or Rabat? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Jaisalmer or Rabat?
Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer is located in western part of the Rajasthan state of India. The city is known as the "Golden City" for its Sonar Qila, or 'Golden Fort'. This fort is different than other forts in India in that it is a living fort, meaning that it contains many hotels, homes, and shops for locals and visitors. The city is very close to the Thar Desert, to which excursions can be made.
Rabat
While not high on the tourist destination list, Rabat is a quiet gem of a city with stunning colonial architecture and palm-lined streets. This political capital is a laid-back, pleasant alternative to the more cosmopolitan Casablanca.
Located on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean at the mouth of the river Bou Regreg, Rabat plus the city of Temera are home to a combined metropolitan population of 2.6 million.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to India, The Best Sightseeing Tours in India, The Best 2-Week Tours in Morocco, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Morocco.
-
Jaisalmer Prices
India PricesRabat Prices
Morocco Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayJaisalmer $41Rabat $54
The average daily cost (per person) in Jaisalmer is $41, while the average daily cost in Rabat is $54. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Jaisalmer and Rabat in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personJaisalmer $12Rabat $28
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomJaisalmer $24Rabat $56
Compare Hotels in Jaisalmer and Rabat
Looking for a hotel in Jaisalmer or Rabat? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Jaisalmer Hotel Prices and Rabat Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Jaisalmer $11Rabat $2.15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jaisalmer
Also for Jaisalmer, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer From Jaisalmer To Delhi: $197
- Private Transfer From Jaisalmer To Agra: $181
- Private Transfer From Jaisalmer To Jaipur: $117
- 2-Night Camel Safari with Meals & Transfers: $96
- Transfer From Jaisalmer To Udaipur Via Ranakpur Jain Temple: $90
- Private Transfer From Jaisalmer To Pushkar: $85
- Jaisalmer To Bikaner Private One Way Transfer: $64
- From Bikaner : Private Transfer To Jaisalmer: $60
- Jaisalmer to Jodhpur Private Transfer with Door to Door AC Car: $58
- From Jaisalmer : Private Transfer To Bikaner: $55
- From Jaisalmer : Transfer To Jodhpur Via Osian Temple: $48
- Private Transfer From Jaisalmer To Jodhpur Via Osian Temple: $45
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Rabat
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Rabat:
-
Taxi to Sale$3.57
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rabat
Also for Rabat, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Fes: $284
- Transfer Rabat to Essaouira: $273
- Transfer De Luxe Rabat Vers Chefchouen: $267
- Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Larache: $265
- Transfer Rabat to Agadir: $250
- Transfer Private From Rabat to Tetouan: $241
- One-Way Transfer from Rabat to Fez via meknes & volubilis: $205
- One-Way Transfer from Fez to Rabat via volubilis & meknes: $205
- Transfer Rabat to Safi: $199
- Private transfer from Rabat to Casablanca: $197
- Rabat to Marrakech Private Transfer – Fast, Safe & Comfy Ride Now: $170
- Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Casablanca: $170
Is it cheaper to fly into Jaisalmer or Rabat?
Prices for flights to both Rabat and Jaisalmer change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
-
Food Meals for one dayJaisalmer $20Rabat $22
Typical Food Prices in Jaisalmer
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Jaisalmer:
-
Dinner$4.21
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Jaisalmer
For Jaisalmer, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- off beat Desert safari with sunset and dinner: $10
- Jaisalmer Food Tour: Taste the Flavors of the Golden City!: $13
- Authentic Desert Farm Visit and Cooking Class: $25
- Jodhpur Camel & Jeep Safari with Sunset, Folk Dance, Dinner: $25
- Dinner on the Dunes & Camel Safari: $25
- Jaisalmer Heritage & Cultural Walking & Street Food Tour: $25
- Camel Trails Sunset Safari with Dinner: $32
- Pleasant Sunset Safari With Dinner On Dunes (From 2:00 PM to Approx. 10:00 PM): $35
- Sunset Safari With Dinner: $37
- Cooking Class with Local Family & Rooftop Meal: $37
- Jeep Camel Ride, Musical Evening & Traditional Buffet Dinner: $37
- Blissful Half-Day Sunset Camel Safari, Musical Eve & Dinner: $38
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rabat
For Rabat, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Private Food Tour of Rabat’s Old Medina by Green Taxi: $33
- Taste the Medina Like a Local Rabat Food Tour: $34
- Express Moroccan Cooking Workshop in Rabat: $40
- Join Best Moroccan Cooking Class with Chef Khadija ( Over 35 years Experience ): $51
- Rabat Eats Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $59
- Moroccan Cooking Class with Local Amazigh Family in Medina Rabat: $65
- Food Tour in Rabat with an Expert Guide Lunch or Dinner Include: $67
- Rabat Authentic Moroccan Cooking Class with Expert Chefs: $70
- Rabat Food Tour: $76
- Authentic Moroccan Cooking Class: $79
- Traditional Moroccan Cooking Class in Rabat with a Local Family: $110
- Private Market Tour and Authentic Moroccan Cooking Lesson with a Rabat Local: $120
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Jaisalmer $11Rabat $2.90
Typical Entertainment Prices in Jaisalmer
For Jaisalmer, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
-
Sam Sand Dunes for Two$3.16
Tours and Activities in Jaisalmer
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Jaisalmer.
- 02 nights authentic wild camping & Luxury Camping Experience: $129
- 2 Days Sharing Group Thar Desert Safari Adventure Tour: $8.60
- 2 Days-1 Night Camel Tour: $110
- 2 Night 3 Days Non Touristic Thar Desert & Camel Safari Adventure: $49
- 2 Nights 3 Days Nomadic Thar Desert Adventure Safari Tour: $105
- 3 Days Private Jaisalmer Tour: $180
- 4-day Jaisalmer And Jodhpur Combo Tour: $210
- 5 Days Udaipur Jodhpur & Jaisalmer Tour: $266
- Adventure & Campfire Overnight Desert Safari: $32
- Adventure non touristic camel safari: $27
- All-Inclusive Jaisalmer Full or Half Day Sightseeing Tour: $48
- Amazing Overnight experience under the stars in Thar Desert: $59
Tours and Activities in Rabat
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Rabat.
- Car tour in Rabat: $49
- Chefchaouen 1 Day Tour from Rabat Discover the Blue City: $180
- Day Trip from Rabat to Casablanca with Hassan II Mosque Ticket: $159
- Exclusive Rabat City Tour with Authorized Guide and VIP Vehicle: $74
- Experience Todra Gorge Hiking Adventure: $34
- Explore Rabat by Electric Tuk Tuk – Private City Highlights Tour: $34
- From Casablanca 6Day Private Morocco Tour By Imperial Cities: $1,550
- From Casablanca: 5-Day Private Desert Adventure to Marrakech: $1,540
- From Rabat : Fes Guided city tour: $195
- From Rabat To FEZ guided city tour: $195
- From Private Casablanca Tour With Hassan II Mosque Ticket: $148
- Full Day Private Tour from Rabat to Blue City of Chefchaouen: $270
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayJaisalmer $8.13Rabat -
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Jaisalmer and Rabat, we can see that Rabat is more expensive. And not only is Jaisalmer much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Jaisalmer is in Asia and Rabat is in Africa, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Jaisalmer would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Jaisalmer and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Rabat would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Rabat than you might in Jaisalmer.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Jaisalmer Expensive? and Is Rabat Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Jaisalmer or Rabat?
Rabat has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Jaisalmer. When comparing the sizes of Jaisalmer and Rabat, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.